Faux Real

A charitable faux transformation of an Arlington house garners national acclaim.

By Adrienne van Dooren

Crossroads to Culture - Once a tiny white bedroom, this space was transformed into an exotic eastern retreat by Ron Layman of MD. He created crackled Venetian plaster walls in red and gold. Rather than making the room look smaller, the red gives it presence. The mural designed by Sean Crosby visually expands the space.

Photograph by Omar Salinas

More than 100 top artists from the U.S. and Europe completely transformed an Arlington fixer-upper in what has been dubbed the artist’s version of “We Are the World.” Originally intended to showcase the many different uses of faux, the idea became much more when Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005. The concept evolved into a drive to raise funds–through proceeds from home tours, books, and how-to DVDs–for the purpose of building a Habitat for Humanity home for victims of the hurricane. The project has since gained national attention from HGTV Ideas, The Costco Connection, Decorating Solutions, several other national magazines, and various TV news programs.

Using the very latest in products and cutting-edge techniques, the artists shattered stereotypes. “So many people equate faux with the sponging fad of the ’80s,” says artist Joanne Nash. “In reality, the word faux has become synonymous with all aspects of decorative painting–plasters, murals, trompe l’oeil, even decorative concrete.”

The project also emphasized the green aspects of faux by salvaging items that would have gone to waste, using primarily low- or no-VOC products, and creating the illusion of exotic woods with paint. Local sponsor Thompson Creek Window Company also provided custom replacement windows, increasing the home’s energy efficiency by 40 percent.

The faux house differed from most show homes. The selected house was a small 1,600-square-foot Colonial, one of many built to house Pentagon employees in the 1940s. “We purposefully chose a small home in need of work to more powerfully demonstrate the transformational power of paint and plasters,” stated project co-chair, Ann Bayer. “The home provided the perfect canvas to show how faux can solve problems common to many homeowners. For example, the basement ceilings were just over six feet tall, but we were able to create an illusion of height. The master bath featured a cracked tile floor. We troweled specialty products right over it, creating the look of slate.” Other transformations included a pet-stained parquet floor made to resemble expensive inlay, kitchen cabinets and appliances painted to look like high-end built-ins, and much more.

According to RE/MAX Realtor Jackie Mixon, faux also made the home more attractive for resale. “In a time when real estate has slowed and homes often sit on the market for 30 to 60 days, the faux house received multiple offers and sold in just five days for substantially more than neighboring homes.”

“This isn’t a unique situation,” says artist Julie Miles. “I have fauxed several houses that have sold for more than the competition. Today’s sophisticated finishes enhance the feel of the home, but it is essential to hire a seasoned artist with solid training and not just someone who does this as a second job or hobby.”

Because the faux house has been sold, it is no longer open to public view, but to date it has raised more than $50,000 in support of Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans, and that number promises to grow. Thankfully, because of plentiful photography, the work of the volunteer artists who transformed the faux house will always be visible for those who wish to see. The finished product is not only a premier collection of faux art, but also a creative monument to goodwill.

Editor’s Note: The new book The House that Faux Built: Transform Your Home with Paint, Plasters and Creativity by Adrienne van Dooren captures the Arlington project in a series of dramatic before-and-after pictures and provides ideas and inspiration for homeowners. Purchase the book or get a free chapter download at fauxhouse.com.